We also have decided that our new podcast episodes will be available once a month and I will try to post only on the first of the month excluding this month,

If you subscribe to our podcast, you will be notified when the next episode will be posted. We apologize for the inconvenience. Have a great week and a Happy Halloween! Remember to be good to one another and lots of love!

Now that we have shifted our thinking, let me tell you about the lifesaver that vigilantly sits on one of my paint storage shelves. This cape-wearing can (at least in my mind) is the Rust-Oleum Metallic Paint & Primer in one. I opted for the oil-rubbed bronze which will be the featured exhibits I will provide, but it comes in different colors and finishes so everyone can experience the same level of excitement. This amazing product can be used (according to its written claims on the can) on “wood, metal, plastic, and masonry.” Although, this wonder product covers all kinds of things, I will be focusing on specifically the legs of a table I purchased and my glass screen door’s hardware.

Every time I opened my glass screen door, I felt the need to wash my hands. Perhaps it was the fact that people tend to touch door handles, maybe because I’m a bit of a germophobe, or because the brass color had overstayed its welcome and aged after years of use. In actuality, it was the latter. This tired handle needed a rest. So I gave it a vacation and had it sunbathe in my yard until it tanned and transformed beautifully into an oil-rubbed bronze color by the simple touch of my index finger pressed against the rust-oleum can’s trigger. There is no sweeter sound than the hissing of color being sprayed as it rejuvenates its target. It’s a fountain of youth of sorts.

Once the screen door hardware proudly flaunted its new facelift, I decided to take on a riskier rescue – the legs of my brand new office table. I had envisioned a table of specific dimensions with a white top and bronze metal legs. Sexy, right? I thought so too. After searching and coming up empty handed, I decided to purchase something close to my desired wishes and DIY-ed the rest of it to what I was looking for in the first place. The original leg color of the table was a boring, washed out silver and since I don’t do well with boring, I chose to give it a few shots of liquid bronze so it could stand more confidently in the middle of my office party. The end result was marvelous! Once again, the rust-oleum spray paint had saved the day performing another session of CPR (Color Post-Renovation).

These simple projects are easy and can be completed in one weekend. Who knew a small can of spray paint could bring so much joy and beauty to one’s home?

To complete these projects you’ll need to work outdoors and these are the materials needed:

• Rust-oleum metallic paint and primer in one (2 cans of spray paint for this particular project)
• 400-grit sandpaper (two sheets were plenty for both table legs and one for the glass screen door hardware)
• Respirator mask – A Charcoal Mask is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to protect one’s lungs from damage due to dust particles (metal, wood, etc.) and specifically fumes. Our lungs can’t dispose of metal and the fumes are toxic.
• Surface to spray paint on (cardboard will work just fine)
• Microfiber rag or towel to wipe off dust after sanding metal
• Disposable, latex, or cleaning gloves
• Safety glasses
• I would advice to remove any jewelry to prevent spray paint particles from adhering to and damaging jewelry
• Hat (optional to protect hair, but not necessary)
• (If removing screen door hardware) –  screwdriver and an Allen wrench/Allen key/hex key

  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z4D0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004Z4D0&linkCode=as2&tag=herestocreati-20&linkId=0263d93de95d673f52e9abe910e26781

I’ve provided a video for the table legs project below and hope this helps you with your own projects at home. Happy spray painting!

However, there is a game changer in town and once I learned to play, I realized how crucial it was for me to step up my design game. Yes, I’m referring to door handles and smart locks. Okay, so it might not sound like the most exciting item on your design, dream bucket list, but it should be. As we should know by now, design has a lot to do with thinking about the unthinkable. In other words, let’s think outside the box. I mean, think unique, different, and what most people don’t immediately gravitate toward. That’s where the lesson comes in. Since most people don’t think about door handles, I most definitely will focus my attention in that direction.

After purchasing our home, my focus has solely been on the details and as an interior decorator, that’s pretty much what I think about when decorating a space. Better yet, I live for the details!

I started researching different smart locks currently available on the market until I decided which one was the best option for me. I thought it made sense to start with the front door. After all, doesn’t a front door smart lock sound like a smart idea? I mean, it’s in the name. Functionality, design, color, ease of use, and IQ (smart locks, get it?) were at the top of my list.

I chose to go with the Kwikset Kevo 2nd generation smart lock and replaced the much outdated contractor-grade, brass handles with modern matching bronze hardware. At this moment, the clouds parted in the sky, a ray of light shined down onto my front porch, and angels from above sang joyful songs. I may have imagined the rest after the installation of my new smart lock, but you get the idea. I used my finger in the form of a Harry Potter wand (omit corresponding spell) and hit that lock as many times as I felt like it just to see the Gods of technology do their work as they locked and unlocked my door devoid of a key or any other form of an offering. Perhaps I died and went to heaven. Who knows? I was too mesmerized by not only the venetian bronze perfection before my eyes, but the blue and orange lights that dictated the direction in which the lock would sway. Hmm, I could stand there and do that all day, but someone had to write this article and I thought I’d volunteer for the job being that I was so enamoured by this intriguing device.

Kwikset 98180-001 San Clemente Single Cylinder Low Profile Handleset with Halifax Lever Featuring Smartkey in Venetian Bronze

(Update to previous note:  The door has been painted).

Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock 2nd Generation with 1 Fob Key Accessory (Venetian Bronze)

Once I was able to remove myself away from my new smart lock devotion, it was time to tackle (yes, it must be football season) the other door handles throughout my house. Like a fairy of sorts with only a screwdriver and manufacturer provided tools, I sprinkled Kwikset halifax hall closet door handles and locks like a mad hatter who could see no end to such passion. I was lost in a sea of venetian bronze levers that hypnotized me at every turn. I should add that my interior doors are white and as a result the bronze door handles create a gorgeous, stark contrast against the doors. This look is classic, sophisticated, and breathtaking.

My dream of alluring, ravishing, and perhaps enviable door handles has become a reality and have completed the perfect look on all the white, mundane, and wallflower-like doors that hoped to sit quietly within my home. Let’s not forget that to complete the look, matching venetian bronze hinges are necessary. Hinges are easy to install and I performed the task of changing them by myself for the first time after changing the door handles. My doors should thank me, but they now feel they are too special to take the time and be grateful. I’m in love with them so I choose to forgive them.

I have given my doors a new lease on life and now they’re at center stage performing a beautiful masterpiece all day and night. Somebody, please stop me as my designer instinct is to look at or reach for these handles as these actions provoke a sense of great happiness every time I encounter the doors within the confines of my home.

So don’t neglect your door handles or other unthinkable details around your home. Details are everything and door handles are a quick way to beautify your surroundings, not to mention an easy way to add value and some TLC to your domicile. The plethora of color options and styles available should make this an effortless task to find out which ones you will enjoy seeing around your home.  Good luck and happy decorating!

*Below is a list of the items I mentioned on the article above and purchased on my own. I’ve included a list below for ease of shopping since I genuinely love these products. By purchasing from the links below, I will be compensated a small percentage from the seller, but they will cost you the same from me or from the vendor. This helps me run this website so I can provide you with more decorating or design tips.

Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock 2nd Generation with 1 Fob Key Accessory (Venetian Bronze)

Kwikset 98180-001 San Clemente Single Cylinder Low Profile Handleset with Halifax Lever Featuring Smartkey in Venetian Bronze

Kwikset 155HFLSQT-11P Halifax Square Privacy Door Lock Venetian Bronze Finish

Halifax Venetian Bronze Hall/Closet Lever

Cosmas Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Hinge 3.5″ Inch x 3.5″ Inch with 5/8″ Inch Radius Corners – 12 Pack